Refrigerated Warehouse Operations Lead (Food Manufacturing)

Job Description

Job Description

Step into a Day-in-the-Life

You arrive to a crisp, chilled dock where incoming pallets are already on the move. A quick huddle with your team sets the pace: who’s receiving, who’s staging for production, who’s loading outbound orders. You double-check labels, verify lot codes, and make sure everything is placed exactly where it needs to be. Throughout the day, you coach teammates on GMPs and sanitation, keep a close eye on attendance and productivity, and jump on a forklift or pallet jack when the floor needs an extra hand. You’re the go-to for accurate inventory counts, well-organized storage, and safe, efficient movement of product—ensuring every action aligns with OSHA and food safety standards.

What You’ll Lead

• Direct daily warehouse activities and guide assigned team members in a refrigerated environment.
• Oversee receiving, put-away, staging, and transfers of food and meat products.
• Verify product labeling, rotation, organization, and storage to meet company procedures.
• Assist with cycle counts and maintain precise inventory records.
• Coordinate loading and unloading of inbound and outbound shipments.
• Ensure adherence to GMPs, food safety, sanitation, and general safety practices at all times.
• Track employee attendance, productivity, and overall work performance.
• Train team members on proper warehouse processes and safe equipment operation.
• Operate or supervise the use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and related equipment when needed.
• Keep a clean, orderly, and safe facility with proper PPE usage.
• Communicate with supervisors and cross-functional departments on inventory status, orders, production priorities, and staffing needs.
• Escalate safety, quality, product, or inventory concerns to management promptly.
• Uphold all company policies and comply with OSHA and food safety requirements.

What You Bring

• Demonstrated warehouse experience; prior lead or supervisory background preferred.
• Background in food manufacturing, meat processing, cold storage, or similar settings is a plus.
• Comfort working in cold/refrigerated conditions.
• Capability to lift, move, and handle products as operationally required.
• Clear communication, steady leadership, and strong organizational habits.
• Thrives in a fast-moving environment.
• Forklift experience or certification preferred.
• Dependable, punctual, and collaborative team mindset.
• Knowledge of GMPs and food safety practices is advantageous.

Physical Demands

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Lifting and moving products and materials as needed.
• Working in cold/refrigerated environments.
• Safely performing warehouse tasks using required PPE while following safety procedures.